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Mary Casanova

    Mary Casanova crafts stories that matter and that young readers can't put down. Her narratives, often drawn from her experiences living on the Minnesota-Canadian border or from her extensive research abroad, delve into themes that resonate deeply with children. She views the ultimate reward as a child's declaration of love for her books, seeing writing as a vital form of communication from author to reader. Casanova describes words as her paintbrush, her tool for exploring the world, and she delights in sharing her passion for writing and reading with audiences of all ages.

    Jess
    The Hunter
    Chrissa Stands Strong
    The Turtle-Hatching Mystery
    Moose Tracks
    Mary Casanova and YOU
    • 2023

      The Klipfish Code

      • 242 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      3.9(79)Add rating

      Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Norway in 1942, a determined twelve-year-old girl named Marit embarks on a risky mission despite her grandfather's concerns. As she strives to contribute to the Resistance by cracking a secret code, the story explores the courage of ordinary Norwegians standing up for their freedoms, highlighting the grim reality of the German secret police's actions against educators. With vivid descriptions of island life, the novel delves into themes of trust, secrecy, and the sacrifices made for dignity during wartime.

      The Klipfish Code
    • 2018

      Hush Hush, Forest

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text show how, throughout autumn, forest animals prepare for winter as shadows lengthen, the ground freezes, and northern lights begin to appear.

      Hush Hush, Forest
    • 2018

      Menace at Mammoth Cave

      • 207 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      When Kit arrives in Kentucky to visit her aunt and brother she finds trouble brewing and locals blaming the CCC workers, leaving Kit to find the real culprit before things get worse.

      Menace at Mammoth Cave
    • 2016

      Wake Up, Island

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Growing up in a lively, family-oriented environment near St. Paul, Mary Casanova's experiences inspire her storytelling. As a prolific author of children's literature, she has penned over thirty books, including award-winning titles like Moose Tracks and Frozen, many of which are recognized on state reading lists. Her work has garnered numerous accolades, such as the ALA "Notable" and Parent’s Choice "Gold" Award. Currently residing in Ranier, Minnesota, she shares her home with her husband and three dogs.

      Wake Up, Island
    • 2013

      Moose Tracks

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      The story follows twelve-year-old Seth, who seeks to gain his stepfather's trust by hunting independently. His resolve is tested when he witnesses poachers killing a moose cow and wounding her calf. Determined to rescue the injured animal and confront the poachers, Seth embarks on a challenging journey that highlights themes of responsibility, bravery, and the importance of protecting wildlife.

      Moose Tracks
    • 2013

      Frozen

      • 256 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The story follows sixteen-year-old Sadie Rose, who has been mute for eleven years after a traumatic event involving her mother's death. Set against a backdrop of suspense, the narrative explores themes of family, memory, and resilience as Sadie embarks on a journey to reclaim her voice and confront her past. Through her struggles, the book highlights the profound impact of loss and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

      Frozen
    • 2011

      The story follows Little Otter as he embarks on an adventurous night filled with enticing sounds and scents from nature. Despite the thrill of exploration, he faces the danger of lurking wolves, leading to a series of near misses. Ultimately, after a night of excitement, he returns home to find his family exhausted and ready for rest, highlighting themes of adventure, danger, and the comfort of family.

      Utterly Otterly Night
    • 2009

      Chrissa Stands Strong

      • 123 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      4.1(481)Add rating

      Chrissa's had a good summer, practicing for swim team tryouts. Then her world is shaken when she and her friends get mean text messages and there's an accident at the pool. Can one girl put an end to the bullying?

      Chrissa Stands Strong
    • 2008

      Utterly Otterly Day

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      3.6(196)Add rating

      The story follows Little Otter, who, believing he can manage on his own, ventures away from his parents. After experiencing a frightening situation, he realizes the importance of having his mother and father nearby for safety and support. The narrative emphasizes themes of family and the value of parental guidance, illustrated with vibrant full-color artwork.

      Utterly Otterly Day
    • 2008

      The Turtle-Hatching Mystery

      • 142 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      4.2(11)Add rating

      Set against the backdrop of a tranquil Mexican village, the story follows Kito, Chester, and Schmitty as they embark on a vacation that quickly turns into an adventure. The excitement of the sea turtle egg hatching is overshadowed by the disturbance of nests and theft of eggs. The Dog Watch Trio springs into action, showcasing their bravery and teamwork. Illustrated throughout, this tale combines elements of friendship, adventure, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

      The Turtle-Hatching Mystery